Lochside community invited to help shape future of former school site

Lochside community invited to help shape future of former school site

Residents in Lochside are being invited to attend the latest public information event about plans for land previously occupied by Maxwelltown High School.

Wheatley Homes South and Dumfries and Galloway Council will host a drop-in session on Wednesday, 27 May, giving local people the opportunity to find out more about emerging proposals and share feedback directly with project partners.

The event follows a well-attended information session held in April, where residents spoke with staff and took the opportunity to comment on early ideas for the future of the site. Feedback from that meeting is being used to help shape the next steps.

The former Maxwelltown High School site forms part of the wider £130 million transformation of Lochside, which includes upgrading existing homes, delivering new energy‑efficient housing, improving connectivity, enhancing active travel routes and creating more welcoming green space.

Community input remains a key part of the regeneration programme. Around 1500 people have already shared their views as part of wider engagement on Lochside, helping to ensure plans reflect the needs and priorities of local residents.

Sarah Ramsay, chair of the Lochside Community Collective, said: “As someone involved in the Lochside regeneration, I know how important it is that local people continue to have a say as plans develop for this site.

“The feedback that was shared at the event in April will help shape the next steps, and this next session is another chance for residents to ask questions, share their views and hear how ideas are taking shape.

“It’s really important that people come along, find out more and be part of the conversation about the future of this part of Lochside.”

Andy Ferguson, North West Dumfries Councillor and chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, added: “The Lochside community has told us that they want to see the former Max High prioritised for new housing and we have brought forward plans to regenerate the site.

“The delivery of more homes is a priority for our area and we are now supported by long-term investment from the Scottish Government. This event is a great opportunity for residents to shape what actually gets built here so I would encourage everyone to come along.”

The event will be held in the Atrium at the North West Community Campus, Alloway Road, Dumfries, on Wednesday, 27 May, between 4pm and 7pm.

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